Fernley · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fernley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Hydrant meter deposit fees
The council will consider changing the deposits charged for hydrant meters — the temporary water meters contractors use on job sites.
Utility contracts for rate study, Good Earth infrastructure, and emergency generator
Both funds remain healthy — water net position around $141 million, sewer around $58 million — but cash is drawing down as the city catches up on deferred maintenance. Officials said rate and fee decisions, possibly bonds or grants, will need revisiting as capital spending continues.
Sewer Master Plan adoption
The council would commit to a 20-40% local match to pursue a federal Economic Development Administration grant for designing the wastewater treatment plant project — a big-ticket infrastructure move.
Water treatment plant expansion and PFAS
Three city wells exceed EPA PFAS limits and the canal water has detections too, so the council approved a $10.9 million design contract to treat Truckee Canal surface water, remove PFAS and expand capacity to 30 million gallons per day. Compliance deadline is 2029, possibly extended to 2031.
Rolling Meadows Lift Station H2S treatment contract
A consent item proposed an annual contract with Evoqua Water Technologies, capped at $80,614.88, to rent equipment and treat hydrogen sulfide gases at the Rolling Meadows Lift Station.
Ricci Tank #2 construction
The council approved a $3.39 million contract to build a second Ricci water tank, plus a Shaw Engineering contract for oversight — a major investment in water storage capacity.
Storm Drain Master Plan
The city hired Lumos & Associates for up to $156,000 to plan how Fernley handles stormwater citywide. Flooding and drainage matter to every neighborhood, especially with growth underway.
Freshwater intake and Highway 95A/Cottonwood roundabout funding
The city landed $2 million for its freshwater intake, and the state and NDOT got $2 million for a roundabout at the dangerous 95A/Cottonwood intersection. Torres says it's only a matter of time before a high schooler gets hit there.